Ministries

Third Reflection

Living in solidarity

What does solidarity mean? Even though we know the word I decided to look in the dictionary for a clear definition and found the following statements: Solidarity is the unconditional bonding with somebody on the basis of equal opinions and goals. It is the attitude resulted/produced from this bonding, a commitment to common values.

What is solidarity based on? It is based on the fact that we are a human family that is created by God`s unconditional love. Therefore, we are really responsible for all. Today, the way for us to love our neighbors has become a more and more global dimension in a more and more shrinking world.

Solidarity “…. is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all”. (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis #38). Each day our life calls us to review how we use the goods made available to us, how we as citizens contribute to the economic and political decisions that help to make our solidarity and love for the poor concrete. In this historical moment we are called above all to respect the dignity of the human person as an indestructible image of the creator.

“Development of the individual necessarily entails a joint effort for the development of the human race as a whole“. (Populorum Progressio #43) The words are clear: I as a human being cannot develop myself independently from my fellow human beings.

The Creator invites all people to His table. He is the host. Who are we to decide to whom something is given? We don`t know to whom we will be assigned a place next to in Heaven. How wonderful it would be if it is somebody with whom we have become familiar with while living on earth.

Just for reflection:

How do I engage myself concretely for the common good (the good of all)?